System and method for a network of interactive televisions
First Claim
1. A method for distributing media content across a communications network comprising at least one server and at least one client device, the client device having at least one storage device, the method comprising:
- sending a plurality of media files from the server to the client device;
sending a command from the server to the client device, the command directing the client device to store the plurality of media files in the storage device;
allowing a user to browse through descriptions of the media files in the storage device;
preventing the user from accessing the media files in the storage device;
communicating with the server to authorize the user to access at least one media file in the storage device; and
allowing the user to access the at least one media file if the user is authorized to access the media file.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Aspects of embodiments of at least one of the inventions disclosed herein include a system and method for delivering content within a network of interactive televisions. In accordance with one embodiment of at least one of the inventions disclosed herein, the system distributes media content, such as video and music, across a communications network comprising at least one server and at least one client device. Users of the system utilize a client device to access the media content, to view a preview or a description of the media content, and to purchase the media content. The client device receives the media content from the server, and the client device stores the media content within a storage device on the client device. The client device employs interface devices to facilitate user interaction with the system. The server records the purchase of media content and other activities and preferences of the user of the client device.
90 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method for distributing media content across a communications network comprising at least one server and at least one client device, the client device having at least one storage device, the method comprising:
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sending a plurality of media files from the server to the client device;
sending a command from the server to the client device, the command directing the client device to store the plurality of media files in the storage device;
allowing a user to browse through descriptions of the media files in the storage device;
preventing the user from accessing the media files in the storage device;
communicating with the server to authorize the user to access at least one media file in the storage device; and
allowing the user to access the at least one media file if the user is authorized to access the media file. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for selling media content to users of a client device having a storage device and connectable to a network, the method comprising:
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storing a plurality of media files in the storage device of the client device;
allowing the user to browse descriptions of the media files stored in the storage device;
preventing the user from accessing the entirety of the media files; and
allowing a user to authorize payment for access to at least one of the media files. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of tracking fees to guests of a hotel having at least one client device in each of a plurality of guestrooms in a hotel, the client device comprising a video display and computer connected to a server, the method comprising:
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storing a plurality of full-length major motion pictures on a storage device of the client device;
allowing a user to browse descriptions of the full-length major motion pictures;
preventing the user from fully accessing the full-length major motion pictures;
requesting confirmation for authorization for the user to access at least one of the full-length major motion pictures;
allowing the user to fully access the at least one full-length major motion picture only if authorization is confirmed. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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15. A communications network for distributing media content comprising:
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at least one server; and
at least one client device having a storage device therein, the client device configured to receive media files from the server and to store the media files from the server on the storage device without the need for any user inputs to the client device, the client device being configured to allow a user of the client device to access the media files only if the user is authorized to access the media files. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. A communications network for distributing media content comprising:
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at least one server configured to distribute media content over the network;
at least one client device communicating with the server over the network; and
means for storing media content from the server on a storage device of the client device without the need for any user inputs to the client device, means for deleting and adding media content to the storage device of the client device from the server, without the need for any user inputs to client device, and means for selectively allowing a user to access the media content based on a payment protocol.
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19. A workstation comprising:
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a video display;
a processor;
memory; and
computer readable media stored in the memory and configured to allow the workstation to accept a plurality of media files from a server over a network, to store the plurality of media files in the memory without the need for any user inputs to the workstation, and to selectively allow a user to access the media files if the user has authorization.
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Specification